Why has China invited African army chiefs to Beijing? | Asia| An in-depth look at news from across the continent | …

China’s economic influence as an investor and trade partner continues to grow in Africa and new strategies are being discussed to ensure the security of Chinese business interests and investments.

Emphasizing Beijing’s strategic interest in Africa, China’s Ministry of National Defense invited high-ranking military representatives from 50 African countries to the first China-Africa Defense and Security Forum. The forum began on Tuesday in Beijing and is set to run until July 10.

Read more: ‘New Silk Road’ and China’s hegemonic ambitions

“Securing trade routes is important for China as Africa’s northeastern coast up to the Suez Canal is a part of the new maritime silk road, which is also a segment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” said Cobus van Staden, a China expert at the South…